On April 25, 2009 The Tybee Island Sea Turtle Project will be hosting the 5th annual Turtle Trot, a 5K Beach Run on Tybee Island, GA.  This fundraising event is to help support the Tybee Island Sea Turtle Project and kick-off the nesting season (which officially begins May 1)! Please use this link www.tybeeturtletrot.net to view the flyer for more information including times, cost, location, etc.

Following the race (~10-10:30am), in a collaborative effort between the Tybee Island Marine Science Center and the Georgia Sea Turtle Center (GSTC), 2 loggerhead sea turtles from the GSTC will be released*: Snowball and Blizzard.  The release is open to the public and will take place on the beach in front of (or near) the Tybee Island Marine Science Center.

Both of these turtles came to us from North Carolina in what we believe was a ‘cold stunning’ event.  What is ‘cold stunning’? Glad you asked! Turtles are ectothermic (used to be called cold-blooded). When they get into cold water suddenly (usually less than 50 F), they become comatose because all their bodily functions depend on external temperatures. This causes them to strand and also reduces their immune system so they often have a number of secondary problems such as fungal pneumonia and bone infections.

Snowball and Blizzard will each have a satellite transmitter attached to their carapace (shell) prior to release, tentatively set to occur on Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at the GSTC at approximately 10am.  If you want to see this procedure, come on down to the GSTC for the day (admission fees apply).

*Please note that all releases are tentative and subject to change at any time (date, time or location), for any reason.

Hope to see you there!

Sincerely,
Stefanie Ouellette
Marine Field Programs Coordinator

Ever wonder what other organizations are involved in conservation efforts around the world and with other sea turtle species? The WILD Foundation – A Voice for Wilderness is one such organization.  WILD was founded in 1974 and is the only international organization dedicated entirely and explicitly to wilderness protection around the world.  The are involved in the conservation of olive ridley sea turtles along the Orissa coast. Find out more about their efforts by clicking on this link: http://www.wild.org/field-projects/endangered-olive-ridley-turtles/

You can check out other projects and organizations that we support on our LINKS page on our website!

Sincerely,
Stefanie Ouellette
Marine Field Programs Coordinator

All CREATURES Great & Small…come to the Blessing & Parade of Animals THIS SATURDAY, Apri 4!  2, 4 & no legged creatures WELCOME!!!

The event will take place at the Historic Jekyll Island Circle of Oakes. 10am=Blessing and 11am=Parade.  Here’s a program of events and attendees:

• Celebration Gran Marshall & Master of Ceremonies
• Therapy Dogs of Glynn Cooridinator–Hank Fahl
• Canie Corp Host & Hostesses with Glynn County Trainer–Officer Brian Falk
• Jekyll Island Fire Truck for Critter & Human Water–Captain Dave Smith & Staff
• Glynn County Animal Services–Director Beverly Morris
• Fun – Fun – Fun
• PRIZES for Best Dressed Critter!
• Gathering MUSIC – M U S I C !
• Jekyll & Glynn Clergy

Event sponsored by WeDo Animal CARE & Therapy Dogs of Glynn.  Please call 912-634-9527 for questions/information.

Sincerely,
Stefanie Ouellette
Marine Field Programs Coordinator

Jekyll Island is slowly coming back to life after a long, sleepy winter. If you’ve got Spring fever like we do, mark your calendar for Saturday, April 18 from 10am to 4pm.  You’ll want to join us for the Jekyll Island Mother Nature Festival at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center!

In 2008, the GSTC debuted it’s first annual Shell-e-brate Earth Day family festival. Over 550 people took part in the green shell-e-bration.  This year, it has blossomed into an island-wide event! Join us for a day of eco-fun and earth friendliness as we create recycled crafts like Styrofoam plate press animal art, make your own handmade paper, decorate a recycled sea turtle journal or color a wearable paper bag carapace. Taste a yummy dirt cup creation, visit with diamondback terrapin hatchlings and have your photo taken with Scute, the Loggerhead sea turtle mascot!  And be sure to visit our vendor expo featuring organizations with earth-friendly creations, products and services.

But who says that kids have to have all the fun? The week of April 13^th -17^th, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center will be hosting its Citizen Science Workshop & Lecture series.  Five guest speakers will present on topics ranging from honeybees & vermicomposting to organic gardening & cooking. Also, new for 2009 is our Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Regift silent auction! Gifted but never used nature-themed items will go home with the highest bidder the day of the event. All proceeds go to benefit continuing efforts of the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. Have something you’d like to donate? Click here to download the auction donation form.

Several outdoor excursions and activities will be taking place around Jekyll Island, including kite demonstrations, a fishing derby at Rixen pond, bicycle rentals, horseback riding and eco-tours with Captain Phillip. Check out www.jekyllisland.com/mothernaturefestival for a complete listing and excursion reservations.

Sea you there!

~Kelly O’Keefe, Educator